News
Deliberations Begin in SIPT, but no date given for VERDICTS of Four Accused
By Wilkie Arthur
Freelance Court Reporter
#TurksandCaicos, June 22, 2023 – Magnetic Media watching for nearly seven hours via YouTube, the final day of closing remarks or speeches to her Ladyship The Hon Chief Justice Ms. Mable Agyemang, on Friday 16th June, 2023.
The Prosecution had the final word or the right to the last reply before the Judge retired to begin her deliberations.
In rendering that ‘last reply’, the Prosecution maintained that despite some of the defense counsels attempts to stop
his final words in the judge-only trial, it will be delivered. Additionally, Andrew Mitchell, the defense counsel complained that the court was in breach of her Ladyship previous order/ judgement and in breach of section 42 of the Criminal Procedure Ordinance which gives the Crown the “right of reply” which is the final say to the judge or jury before considering a verdict.
The Hon Chief Justice (CJ) having heard the SIPT lead King’s Counsel prosecutor, questioned, one of the defense King’s Counsel Mr.Earl Witter via link as he was not present in court in person, regarding his correctional response submission and that he did it without leave of the court.
Her Ladyship said to Witter, KC that ‘you were given my orders previously along these lines and this is very disrespectful to me and this court to totally disobey my orders which is in line with the statutory provision.’
Senior KC Witter, when invited to speak by the learned CJ, told her ladyship that he was profoundly sorry and apologizes strongly for his actions against her ladyships’ order. He explained, it was nothing deliberately done.
Her Ladyship then proceeded to ask all the other defense King’s Counsels if they had followed her order; but save for except one, made it clear that he so did. All others were uncertain as to if they did or did not. The CJ then directed that she will disregard and not read any of the defenses’ correctional submissions for now unless she changes her mind later on.
Following this, lead prosecutor Mr. Andrew Mitchell KC, begun to outline his closing remarks in some areas individually regarding each defendant and in some areas collectively.
FLOYD HALL, JEFFREY HALL, MELBOURNE WILSON and CLAYTON GREEN heard the Prosecutor relived this very long case with his presentation to the court. He told the CJ that in her deliberations, she must remind herself of:-
- The defendants’ good character and he provided authoritative guidelines on how she should approach it.
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He reminded her about the burden of proof.
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He reminded her about “lies” and how she should treat lies, also providing her Ladyship with case authorities and support.
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He reminded her Ladyship about delays and how although this trial is many years old, the delays should not affect her judgment or her decision, and he provided case authorities in support of his point.
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He reminded the court that only Mr Jeffrey Hall did not give evidence/testify and that should not be used against him adversely because it was his right to refuse to testify.
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He reminded her Ladyship that each accused must be considered separately on each charge according to the evidence.
We heard about a number of different figures pertaining to the allegations and charges of suspicious and questionable money transactions against the four such as:-
= $77,000.00 (suspicious money transaction)
= $267,000.00 (Loan to Alden Smith aka Smokey)
= $200,000.00 (Deposited into TCI bank)
= $100,000.00 (questionable monies)
And some mentioned in the millions.
In Mr. Mitchell KC closing he asked her Ladyship if she can give a date when she will return with her verdict and she replied you would appreciate the magnitude of the task I have, so I’ll say nothing but when I see my way clear I’ll send word. She then thanked all counsel and their teams from:-
Mr. Andrew Mitchell KC for the crown.
Mr. Earl Witter KC for Floyd Hall.
Mr. Ian Wilkinson KC for Jeffrey Hall.
Mr. Richard Bendall for Clayton Greene.
And
Mr. Alair Shepherd KC for Melbourne Wilson
Corrected: June 26, 2023
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – May 14th, 2024 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Government and Molo Hotel Group reached a pivotal juncture on Monday, May 13th, 2024, with the ceremonial signing of a development agreement at the Premier’s Office on Providenciales. The agreement, which received official Cabinet approval on March 13th, 2024, signifies a steadfast commitment to advancing the economic landscape of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Molo Hotel Group is a family-owned business, renowned for its distinguished portfolio of high-quality hotels worldwide. The
development initiative encompasses the construction of three distinct IHG branded hotels: InterContinental Turks and Caicos, Kimpton Turks and Caicos and Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos. Scheduled for completion by 2027, each resort boasts a distinctive design from luxury to laidback sophistication spanning across the shores of Grace Bay Beach.
Kimpton Turks and Caicos – an epitome of luxury lifestyle living, will feature 192 guest rooms including three outdoor pools, a luxury spa and a fitness center. Additionally, seven dining options ranging from a beachfront restaurant to a rooftop bar.
Adjacent to the Kimpton, InterContinental Turks and Caicos will offer 59 classic luxury suites with panoramic ocean views. Mirroring its counterpart, this resort will offer an array of dining options and upscale facilities.
Steps away from the Intercontinental and Kimpton resorts, Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos will embrace a sense of community and contemporary elegance, offering 56 bedrooms. The resort will feature an onsite restaurant, lobby bar, outdoor pool, and fitness room.
Beyond the realm of hospitality, this development agreement underscores the government’s commitment to fostering economic growth and enhancing employment opportunities in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Molo is partnering with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) to actively promote hospitality as a career choice and support in developing training programs, career fairs, seminars, workshops, and events to raise awareness about hospitality careers. Molo has committed to provide employment and apprentice opportunities to TCICC students and provide mentoring and practical on property training to students.
The signing event was graced by Hon. Charles Washington Missick, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Hon. Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier, Hon. Kyle Knowles, Minister of Public Safety and Utilities, Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, Łukasz and Marcin Slominski, Owners of Molo, Ross Morrow, Managing Director Molo, Arik Kono, Vice President Upscale Development for IHG, Dr. Candice Williams, President and CEO of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Angela Musgrove, InvestTCI CEO, Dr. Barbara Ambrister, Chairperson of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Dr. Delores Stapleton- Harris, Vice President of Academic, Vocational and Student Affairs for the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Mr. Kevin Baxter, Dean of Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) and Sheryl McLaughlin, InvestTCI Investment Services Executive.
Commenting on the development agreement, Premier, Hon. Misick, stated “The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing of
IHG/Molo Hotels is a significant step towards a sustainable future for hospitality in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Three hotels, Kimpton, Intercontinental, and Hotel Indigo, will be introduced, enhancing our tourism product and creating employment opportunities.”
He further added, “Partnerships with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College and Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission are underway, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to developing human capital and elevating tourism offerings. This project will bring economic growth, embrace local talent, and enrich our economy.”
Additionally, Mrs. Angela Musgrove, CEO of Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, emphasized “This collaboration confirms our commitment to fostering economic growth and prosperity within our country. We have worked closely with Molo Hotel Group, and we are confident that this transformative project will further position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier destination for travel and investment. Much to our delight, it will also provide opportunities for engagement with our Community College and small business community.”
The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands, operating through its primary Investment Promotion
Agency, Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, remains committed to attracting and facilitating Foreign Direct Investments to the country by providing a comprehensive suite of services. Through strategic initiatives and targeted promotion, the agency catalyzes sustainable development, driving innovation and small business opportunities across various sectors of the economy.
#TurksandCaicos, May 13, 2024 – Detectives of the Serious Crime Unit of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force have
charged a man who allegedly stole a vehicle.
The accused, DANVANTE BRISCO, 30, of Kew Town, Providenciales, was charged with:
- One Count: Robbery
- One Count: Taking Motor Vehicle Without Authority
- One Count: Using Offensive Weapon to cause fear
Mr. BRISCO appeared in court today (May 13 ) and was granted bail of $7500.00 with one surety.
The matter was adjourned to July 05 for a Sufficiency Hearing.
#TurksandCaicos, May 13, 2024 – A 20-year-old Dock Yard male appeared in court today (May 13th) charged with a series of firearm-related offences.
The accused, JAMES SIMON, was denied bail and remanded into custody pending a Sufficiency Hearing scheduled for July 05th, 2024.
Mr. SIMON faces the following charges:
- One Count: Robbery;
- One Count: Gang Membership
- One Count: Possession of a Firearm for the Benefit of a Gang
- One Count: Possession of Ammunition for the Benefit of a Gang.
The charges against Mr. Simon followed investigations by officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force into a robbery at the parking lot of a Casino where three males robbed a victim.
Additionally, Mr. Simon is charged with the following offences, having been arrested on May 02nd, 2024, along South Dock Road.
- One Count: Possession of a Firearm
- One Count: Possession of Ammunition
- One Count: Unlawful Entry
Officers also charged a teenage minor who was in the company of Mr. Simon on May 02nd with One Count of UNLAWFUL ENTRY.
The accused, seventeen and from Kew Town, Providenciales, pleaded guilty and will be sentenced on May 20th.
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